Athletes’ Water

Only The Best Awards

“ONLY THE BEST”

Who: The best high school student athletes in the country who exhibit excellence in academics, community involvement and on-court/field play.
When: Nominations open Tuesday, November 18th
Why: To create an award for excellence in all the above and to support Mental Health groups aligned with our award.
Qualifications: Open to all student-athletes eligible to participate and who submit nomination package prior to January 15, 2026.
Winners: Are selected by a panel of professional judges who come from academic, business and sports backgrounds. There will be a total of two (2) winners; one (1) male and one (1) female from the South region. Winners shall receive $1000 in scholarship money, award trophy, along with banner for school to hang in auditorium, gymnasium, or school lobby with winner’s name on it!
Ceremony Date and Location: March 2026 at the High School of the Selected Winners
Sports: ALL

THE ATHLETES WATER “ONLY THE BEST” RECIPIENT SELECTION PROCESS

 

  1. All high schools are invited to submit nominees.
  2. The ATHLETES WATER “ONLY THE BEST” Selection Committee narrows the nominees to five finalists.
  3. The Selection Committee makes the final decision considering the recommendations of the National Electors, ATHLETES WATER “ONLY THE BEST” Advisory Board and ATHLETES WATER “ONLY THE BEST” National Board.

GUIDELINES FOR EVALUATING ATHLETES WATER “ONLY THE BEST” FINALISTS

 

Reviewers will give up the total number of points for each section (100 possible points).

  1. Initiative (30 pts.)
    • Begin something as an original idea; begin something that exists elsewhere; expand an existing organization.
  2. Major leadership positions, major accomplishments etc. (30 pts.)
    • President, Captain, valedictorian; excel in particular ways – academic, athletic, community
  3. Minor leadership positions (20 pts.) 
    • Officer, committee chair, actor, musician, etc.
  4. Organizational participation (20 pts.) 
    • Participate in various ways – on campus, off campus, summer, etc.

 

All nomination packets should be emailed to ruhani@athleteswater.com

NOMINATION PACKET INFORMATION

 

Packets should include the following:

  1. Nominee information
    • Name, sport, school/team, division (high school)
    • Contact information and nominator’s information (you or the person submitting)
    • Brief bio of the nominee: sport achievements, academic record, community involvement.
  2. Statement of case / narrative
    • Describe how the nominee exemplifies character, teamwork and citizenship (the core values).
    • Provide specific instances: leadership roles (e.g., Student-Athlete Advisory Board, community organization), projects, service work, mentoring, etc.
    • Show how the nominee uses sport as a platform for positive impact.
  3. Academic and athletic achievements
    • Athletic performance: sport, team, division, key statistics, honors/awards.
    • Academic performance: GPA, academic honors, extra-curriculars.
    • Any relevant leadership/club roles (e.g., SAAB, outreach committees). 
  4. Community service / citizenship component
    • Document community service: what organizations, what role, what impact.
    • Show how the nominee served beyond the team – e.g., youth programs, underserved populations, advocacy, mentoring.
    • Qualitative testimonies or letters of support can help.
  5. Supporting materials
    • Letters of recommendation/support from faculty, coaches, community leaders.
    • Media articles or recognition of the nominee’s work (if available).
    • Possibly transcripts/academic records or acknowledgement of academic honors.
    • Photos or press mention.